Goat Cheese & Pear Flatbread

This Goat Cheese & Pear Flatbread with Hot Honey is a sophisticated and delicious appetizer that balances creamy, sweet, and spicy notes perfectly. Featuring a crispy flatbread base topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and tender pears, it is a versatile dish ideal for sharing at your next gathering.

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Whether you serve it as a Modern American appetizer or a light vegetarian meal, the combination of crunchy walnuts and fresh thyme adds a delightful depth to every bite.

Ingredients

• Flatbread Base: 1 large store-bought or homemade flatbread (about 12 x 8 inches), 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Cheese & Dairy: 5 oz (140 g) goat cheese, softened; 1/4 cup (60 g) cream cheese, softened
• Vegetables & Fruit: 1 large ripe pear, thinly sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Nuts & Seeds: 1/4 cup (30 g) walnuts, roughly chopped
• Hot Honey: 3 tablespoons honey; 1/2–1 teaspoon hot sauce (Sriracha or chili flakes)
• Herbs & Seasoning: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish), salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Set aside.

Step 3: Cheese Base

In a small bowl, mix softened goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Layer Toppings

Arrange the caramelized onions and thinly sliced pears over the cheese. Scatter the chopped walnuts and thyme leaves on top, then season with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Bake

Place the flatbread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is warmed through.

Step 6: Hot Honey Drizzle

Microwave the honey and hot sauce together for 10–15 seconds and stir to combine, adjusting the heat to your preference.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the flatbread from the oven, drizzle generously with the hot honey, and garnish with extra thyme. Slice and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Be sure to use softened cheese to ensure it spreads easily across the flatbread without tearing it. Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is essential for easy cleanup and a perfectly crispy base.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a flavor twist, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or swap goat cheese for blue cheese if you prefer a stronger profile. To make the recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flatbread base. If you enjoy extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes before baking.

Serviervorschläge

This flatbread pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. It serves 4 as an appetizer and provides roughly 320 calories and 9g of protein per serving.

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Ready in just 35 minutes, this Goat Cheese & Pear Flatbread is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings an elegant touch to any table. Enjoy it warm for the best texture and flavor!

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I prepare this flatbread ahead of time?

You can caramelize the onions and mix the cheese spread up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the crispiest texture.

→ What type of pear works best?

Bosc or Anjou pears hold their shape beautifully during baking. Choose a pear that's ripe but still firm—overly soft pears can become mushy in the oven.

→ How can I make the honey drizzle less spicy?

Start with just 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce and taste before adding more. You can also use mild chili flakes instead of Sriracha, or skip the heat entirely and use plain honey.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Try Brie or Camembert for a creamier texture, or blue cheese for a stronger, tangier flavor. The cream cheese helps create a smooth base, so keep that ratio similar.

→ What can I substitute for walnuts?

Pecans work wonderfully and add a slightly sweeter flavor. For nut-free options, try pumpkin seeds or omit the nuts entirely—the flatbread is still delicious without them.

→ Should I serve this hot or warm?

This flatbread tastes best when served warm, right after baking. The cheese remains creamy and the contrast with the hot honey drizzle is most pronounced. It can sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.